Do you ever wonder what the real purpose of Minor League Baseball is? Is it to improve the abilities of young players on the field, or is it to teach them how important it is to work as a team?

I believe Minor League Baseball is a system in which the Manager’s responsibility is to make sure their players are developing, and achieving their dream in moving up the system. In Minor League ball, I believe the focus stays off the Win/Loss column, and more on the growth of the players.

For example, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays) are posting up a 26-44 record, which is currently the worst record in the Eastern League. Some people may not think the Fisher Cats coaching staff is too sharp this year, but when you look at things the way they should be, Manager, Sal Fasano and his staff have done a spectacular  job moving players up in the system.

Look at players like Drew Hutchison, the Fisher Cats Opening Day starter. He did not last long in the Granite State, as he quickly got his call up to Toronto. Hutchison went 5-3 with the Jays, before he was placed on the disabled-list with a sprained right elbow.

You also have to give the Coaching Staff credit, as the Jay’s Triple-A team, the Las Vegas 51s, currently have 10+ players on their active roster, who have been under the management of Sal Fasano, whether it be earlier this season, or last year.

And of course, with success comes failure. Some players have been sent down to lower levels in the organization, but again, that’s part of the game.

Overall, people just need to keep in mind the purpose of Minor League Baseball. The Minor Leagues is a place to develop the Major League superstars of tomorrow, not to worry about wins/losses. So, next time you watch a minor league game, think to yourself, “Is this team accomplishing the main goal of the Minor Leagues?”

Patrick Cavanaugh

Patrick can often be found in the press box at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (home of the Eastern League champion New Hampshire Fisher Cats), attending Manchester Monarchs games, and even announcing local Little League games. His favorite sports icons are Jerry Remy and Dustin Pedroia and his dream job is sports broadcasting and journalism. Make sure to follow Patrick Cavanaugh on Twitter @pcava12. Patrick can also be reached at pcavanaugh@bostonsportsu18.com.